Should I Learn Chinese Characters

Learning Chinese characters can be daunting, and you might wonder if it’s worth the effort. This discussion on whether to challenge or avoid Chinese characters addresses common concerns and provides insights into the benefits of learning characters versus relying solely on pinyin (the Romanization of Chinese sounds). This article will help you weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision about your learning path.

Understanding How Chinese Characters Work

Before exploring the complexities, it’s crucial to understand the basics. To fully appreciate the beauty and logic of Chinese characters, it’s helpful to learn about their composition and function. Understanding the structure of Chinese characters and how Chinese characters work is key to mastering them.

There are two main elements that you must know: radicals and strokes. By familiarizing yourself with radicals and strokes, and by practicing the correct stroke order, you can build a strong foundation in learning Chinese characters.

Chinese Radicals

Radicals are the building blocks of Chinese characters. They often provide clues about the meaning or pronunciation of the character. For example, the radical “氵” (three drops of water) is often found in characters related to water. Learning radicals can significantly ease the process of memorizing and understanding characters. To get a comprehensive list of common radicals and their meanings, check out this Chinese characters list by radicals.

Chinese Strokes

Strokes are the individual lines that make up each character. There are about 8 basic strokes, but this number can expand to 40 when considering various combinations and styles. Each stroke has a specific order, which must be followed to write characters correctly. This Chinese strokes list provides a detailed guide to the different types of strokes used in Chinese characters.

The order in which strokes are written is crucial for both readability and correct character formation. Proper stroke order also helps in memorizing characters and aids in learning to write them efficiently. For a deeper understanding of why stroke order is important and how to master it, refer to this article on the key to master stroke order.

How to Write Chinese Characters

Writing Chinese characters involves understanding the structure, stroke order, and proper form. Start with the basics by learning the correct stroke order, which is essential for writing characters correctly and efficiently. The general rules include writing from left to right, top to bottom, and from outside to inside. For a comprehensive guide, refer to how to write Chinese characters. Practicing regularly on paper can help reinforce your memory and improve your handwriting skills.

How to Type Chinese Characters

In modern times, typing Chinese characters has become more common than handwriting. To type in Chinese, you will need to learn the pinyin system, which uses the Roman alphabet to represent Chinese sounds. Once you know the pinyin for a character, you can type it into a keyboard, and the correct characters will appear for you to select.

Using a Pinyin input method editor (IME) on your computer or smartphone can make this process easy. For a step-by-step guide on setting this up and tips for efficient typing, check out how to type in Chinese.

How to Memorize Chinese Characters

Memorizing Chinese characters is often the most challenging part of learning the language. One effective approach is the topic-oriented method, which is considered one of the most efficient ways to learn hundreds of characters. This method involves focusing on related characters within a specific topic, helping you understand and retain them better. 

Other useful memorization techniques include:

• Visual and Storytelling Techniques: Associating characters with vivid images or stories can make them easier to remember. 
• Understanding Etymology: Knowing characters’ origins and historical development can also aid in memorization. This article on Chinese etymology provides insights into the fascinating backgrounds of characters.
• Consistent Practice: Regular practice and repetition are key to memorizing characters. Utilize flashcards, writing exercises, and language apps to reinforce your learning. For more strategies, refer to how to memorize Chinese characters.

Resources to Learn Chinese Characters

Here are some valuable resources for you to support your journey in learning Chinese characters. By utilizing these resources, you can find the right tools and methods to enhance your Chinese character learning experience.

Comprehensive Learning Resources

For a wide range of tools and materials, check out these resources for learning Chinese characters. This collection includes online tools, apps, and interactive platforms that cater to different learning styles and needs.

Books

Books can be an excellent resource for structured learning and in-depth understanding. Explore this selection of Chinese character books that use various methods, such as storytelling, visual aids, and flashcards, to teach characters effectively.

Courses

Taking a structured course can provide guided learning and comprehensive coverage of Chinese characters. Browse through these Chinese character courses to find options that suit your learning pace and style. These courses often include interactive lessons, practice exercises, and expert guidance.

Related Reading: Chinese for Beginners – All-in-One Guide

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Audiobooks, in fact, are a fantastic resource for learning Chinese. They help in mastering pronunciation and understanding spoken language.

In this guide, we will present a comprehensive overview of the best Chinese audiobooks, tailored for listeners at various proficiency levels. This guide will break them down by Chinese language level, recommend audiobook platforms, and suggest specific resources for every individual. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to tackle advanced material, the following will help you explore Chinese through an array of audiobooks, ensuring your learning journey is both enriching and enjoyable.

• Audiobook Platforms for Chinese Books
• Chinese Audiobook Recommendations for Kids and Adults
• Chinese Audiobooks for Different Proficiency Levels

Audiobook Platforms for Chinese Books

The days of running to the library to check out a book of CDs are thankfully long behind us. All the platforms you need to get started are just a few clicks away; it’s only a matter of finding the one that is easiest for you to use and offers the content you’re looking for. You might even have some of these apps downloaded on your phone already!

Audible

Audible is a world-known platform with a vast collection of audiobooks, including many in Chinese. Audible’s diverse library is an invaluable resource, offering a range of audiobooks that not only enhance language skills but also offer insights into Chinese culture and literature.

Audible is a paid service, offering basic subscriptions for less than $10 USD per month. Plus, you can often find deals to get a free trial for the first couple of months. If you have Amazon Prime already, then you can even get extra membership benefits.

Featured:

• 中国通史 (The Encyclopedia of Chinese History)
• 红楼梦 (Dream of the Red Chamber]
• 成语故事 (Chinese Idioms Stories 1)
• One Thousand and One Nights
• The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm

Ximalaya

Ximalaya is a popular Chinese platform offering a wide range of audiobooks, podcasts, and radio shows in Mandarin. For Mandarin learners who seek a rich variety of Chinese audiobooks, it stands out as a treasure trove. It’s an ideal resource for immersing oneself in the nuances of the language as well as the depth of Chinese culture. Generally, Ximalaya’s user-friendly interface and vast selection make it an excellent platform for Mandarin learners at all levels and all ages.

Ximalaya has a vast collection of free resources, as well as VIP offerings that can be purchased for a small fee. Many VIP books allow you to listen to a few chapters for free, giving you the chance to try before you buy.

Featured:

• 米小圈上学记 (Grade 1/2/3)
• 成语故事 (Chinese Idioms Stories for kids)
• 格林童话 (Grimm’s Fairy Tales)
• 三体 (Three Bodies)

Spotify

Spotify is widely known for its vast music library, but it also has a growing selection of audiobooks and language learning materials, including Chinese. Spotify’s integration of audiobooks into its existing music and podcast library makes it a convenient option for those looking to combine entertainment with language learning. Additionally, Spotify’s playlists, such as “Learn Chinese,” incorporate audiobooks and language lessons, providing a diverse learning experience.

All content on Spotify is available for free. They offer a premium version with a few key perks, including no advertisements and the ability to download content for later.

Featured:

• Learning Chinese through Stories
• Learn Mandarin Chinese
• The Little Prince

Tingbook

Tingbook is a dedicated platform that offers a rich selection of Chinese audiobooks, catering specifically to Chinese literature enthusiasts. Especially for advanced Mandarin learners, you might explore the audiobook versions of renowned works of Chinese fantasy literature, romance novels, or in-depth discussions on various topics, providing a deeper linguistic and cultural immersion.

Tingbook offers many of its books and podcasts for free, with others marked as part of a monthly subscription.

Featured:

• 鬼吹灯
• 斗破苍穹
• 凡人修仙传

Pingshu8

This is a specialized platform that offers a unique collection of Chinese audiobooks, with a particular emphasis on traditional Chinese storytelling, known as 评书 (píngshū). This platform is a treasure for those interested in diving deep into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and language through oral literature. Its collection ranges from historical epics to folk tales, providing an authentic and immersive listening experience for those keen on deepening their understanding of the Mandarin language and Chinese cultural heritage.

Pingshu8 is another openly accessible platform with a massive free library to explore.

Featured:

• 德云社相声
• 花木兰
• 毛泽东

Librivox

As a volunteer-driven platform, Librivox provides access to a diverse range of audiobooks, narrated by people from around the world.. While the selection in Chinese might be limited, it’s a good source for classic literature. This setup offers listeners a unique opportunity to hear different accents and styles of languages, including mandarin Chinese and other Chinese dialects such as Taiwanese, Cantonese and Hokkien. It’s worth noting that many of the Mandarin recordings are produced by speakers who are not native.

Librivox is a free resource where you can find public domain audiobooks.

Featured:

• 阿Q正传 (The True Story of Ah Q) by Xun Lu
• 论语 (Analects of Confucius) by Confucius
• 唐诗三百首 (Three Hundred Tang Poems)

Scribd

Scribd is a versatile digital library known for its wide-ranging collection of books, audiobooks, and documents. This platform is a great resource for Mandarin learners, providing audiobooks that span various genres and difficulty levels. Its user-friendly interface and the diverse array of content make it an appealing choice for those seeking to improve their Mandarin through immersive listening experiences.

Scribd is a subscription-based platform costing $11.99 USD per month, with a 30-day free trial.

Featured:

• Learn Mandarin Chinese with Paul Noble for Beginners
• Immediate Mandarin Chinese Level 1
• Rapid Mandarin

ChineseClass101

While the resources on Chinese Class 101 are focus on structured lessons, this platform also offers audio resources to complement language learning. In addition to specific audiobooks, ChineseClass101 integrates its audio lessons with other learning resources, creating a holistic learning experience. You can easily find their audiobooks on different platforms.

ChineseClass101 offers a basic free version as well as several different tiers of premium subscriptions, including $4, $10, and $23 USD. Each tier provides access to a larger archive of lessons and additional resources, such as flashcards, quizzes, and even 1-on-1 time with teachers.

Featured:

• Introduction to Chinese Level 1
• Absolute Beginner Chinese Level 2
• Beginner Chinese Level 3
• Beginner Chinese Level 4

Chinese Audiobook Recommendations for Kids and Adults

One of the biggest challenges when getting started with audiobooks is finding the right kind of stories. For adults, you want content that is simple enough to understand but also engaging and relevant. For younger students, you may be looking for something more playful. Here, we’ve provided a list of books that are appropriate for different age levels. But who knows, you may just enjoy listening to these along with your kids.

Chinese Audiobooks for Kids

• Best short stories with morals for kids in Chinese Mandarin
• 9 bedtime stories for little kids in Chinese Mandarin
• Children’s classic stories in Chinese Mandarin
• Best fairy tales by Andersen in Chinese Mandarin
• The Little Match Girl – 卖火柴的小女孩
• The Frog Prince – 青蛙王子
• Cinderella – 灰姑娘
• The Snow Man – 雪人
• The Flying Trunk -飞箱
• The Brave Little Tailor – 勇敢的小裁缝
• The Story of a Mother – 母亲的故事
• Snow White – 白雪公主
• The Tinderbox – 打火闸的故事
• The Puppet Show Man – 演木偶戏的人
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – 爱丽丝奇境历险记
• 八十天环游地球 – Around the World in 80 Days
• 少年冒险王系列：西双版纳大营救 – Juvenile Adventure King Series: Rescue in Xishuangbanna

Chinese Audiobooks for Adults

• A Crash Course on Chinese in 35 Days
• Learn in Your Car series Level 1 / Level 2 / Level 3
• Learn Chinese In Your Sleep
• Learn Chinese for Beginners Easily and in Your Car
• Bodyscan relaxation in Chinese Mandarin
• 鬼吹灯 (Candle in the Tomb)
• 诗词美人：古诗词中的绝美之境 (Beauties in Traditional Chinese Poetry)
• 套中人 (The Man in the Case: Short Stories) by Anton Chekhov

Chinese Audiobooks for Different Proficiency Levels

Beyond finding content that is age-appropriate, you also want to ensure that what you’re listening to is truly comprehensible. Taking on a challenge can help you push to improve your listening comprehension skills in Chinese, but if you shoot too far above your current level, you may start to feel lost in the noise. Here are some recommendations based on your unique language level.

1. Beginner level audiobooks in Chinese

These beginner-level audiobooks are perfect for newcomers, offering clear, slow-paced Mandarin ideal for easy understanding. They focus on essential vocabulary and daily conversations, making the learning experience both manageable and enjoyable. The audiobooks are interactive, incorporating basic words and phrases into engaging narratives, providing a solid foundation in Mandarin through captivating stories.

• Chinese Short Stories for Beginners
• Mandarin Chinese for Beginners
• Chinese (Mandarin) Level 1 by Pimsleur
• Learn Conversational Mandarin Chinese

2. Intermediate level audiobooks in Chinese

Intermediate-level Chinese audiobooks offer a valuable step up for learners who have mastered the basics. They provide realistic scenarios and dialogues, immersing learners in everyday situations and cultural contexts. Ideal for those transitioning to a higher level of proficiency, these audiobooks blend educational content with engaging narratives, helping learners to confidently navigate more sophisticated aspects of Mandarin.

• Learn Chinese with Music: Mix learning with music! This audiobook uses songs and rhythms to teach Chinese. It’s fun and effective for intermediate learners.
• Intermediate Mandarin Chinese: This focuses on expanding vocabulary, mastering complex sentence structures, and understanding intermediate-level grammar, using practical examples relevant to everyday conversations. This audiobook is perfect for those aiming to enhance their fluency in Mandarin and prepare for HSK Level 3 proficiency.
• Intermediate Mandarin Chinese Speaking and Listening Practice: This features a variety of activities and drills tailored to enhance all aspects of Chinese language skills, such as grammar, vocabulary, role-playing, and listening comprehension.
• Chinese Conversations for Intermediate:  This contains 60 dialogues, each elevating your language skills to new levels and covering diverse topics relevant to modern society. The dialogues are crafted with contemporary Chinese words, vocabulary, and phrases, all aligned with HSK standards, ensuring learners are equipped with up-to-date and practical language skills​
• 50 Chinese Conversations and Short Stories: This offers a collection of 50 engaging dialogues and stories designed to enhance everyday conversational skills in Mandarin.

3. Advanced level audiobooks in Chinese

Ready for a challenge? Advanced audiobooks provide both a challenging language experience and a glimpse into Chinese storytelling. Advanced learners can explore a mix of traditional Chinese literature and contemporary novels, experiencing full immersion in the language. This journey through various genres and eras not only enhances language proficiency but also deepens understanding of Chinese culture and history, making it a rewarding experience for those eager to experience the depths of Mandarin.

• Classic Chinese Novels: This collection includes famous works. It’s perfect for advanced learners to improve their skills.
• 狂人日记 (Tales of Ordinary Madness) by Lu Xun
• 三体 The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
• 西游记 (Journey to the West) by Wu Cheng’en
• 孙子兵法 (Sun Tzu’s The Art of War) By Sun Tzu

Final Words

As you explore the diverse world of Chinese audiobooks across these platforms and recommendations, remember that each audiobook is not just a step towards language proficiency, but also a gateway to understanding the rich world of Chinese culture. Whether through classic literature, modern storytelling, or interactive language lessons, these audiobooks offer a unique blend of education and entertainment. By choosing the right audiobooks from this guide, you can significantly transform the challenging task of language learning into an enjoyable and rewarding journey.

The post Explore Chinese Through Audiobooks: Top Picks for Every Kind of Learner appeared first on .

Moreover, this direct exposure to the language is complemented by cultural immersion, providing learners with a deeper understanding of Chinese customs, traditions, and social etiquettes. Such an approach not only aids in grasping the language more effectively but also enables students to appreciate the subtle nuances and cultural contexts that influence the way Mandarin is used daily.

By living and studying in China, learners are not just memorizing vocabulary and grammar; they are actively participating in a cultural journey that enriches their language skills and personal growth.

If this idea piques your interest, this guide will help you home in on a city and program that meet your individual learning needs and goals. This comprehensive overview covers the major university and local language school programs in ten different major cities in China. From there, we will also provide a step-by-step path from program selection to application, admission, and arrival.

• Choosing the Right Program and Location
• The Best Study Abroad Programs in China’s Major Cities
  • Learn Chinese in Beijing
  • Learn Chinese in Shanghai 
  • Learn Chinese in Guangzhou / Shenzhen
  • Learn Chinese in Hangzhou
  • Learn Chinese in Chengdu
  • Learn Chinese in Chongqing
  • Learn Chinese in Dalian
  • Learn Chinese in Xi’an
  • Learn Chinese in Yunnan
  • Learn Chinese in Guangxi
• Next Steps

Choosing the Right Program and Location

Choosing the right program and location is crucial when planning to learn Chinese in China, as it can significantly impact your learning experience and cultural immersion.

When selecting a language program, consider the intensity and duration that best fit your learning style and goals. Intensive programs, for example, are ideal for rapid language acquisition but require a high level of commitment, while less intensive courses allow more time for cultural exploration.

Additionally, the educational methods used by the program, such as interactive speaking activities, real-world language practice, and cultural workshops, should align with your learning preferences.

The choice of location in China also plays a vital role in shaping your experience.

Cities like Beijing and Shanghai offer vibrant urban environments, abundant language learning resources, and a mix of historical and modern Chinese culture. These metropolises provide a fast-paced lifestyle and diverse linguistic environments due to their mix of local and international populations.

On the other hand, smaller cities or towns such as Kunming or Dalian can offer a more immersive cultural experience with fewer English speakers, prompting you to use Mandarin more frequently. These locations often boast a more relaxed atmosphere and lower living costs, along with unique regional cultures and scenic landscapes.

Furthermore, consider the regional differences in language and culture. For instance, studying in northern China could expose you to standard Mandarin pronunciation, while opting for a program in Guangzhou introduces you to Cantonese culture and language, offering a different perspective on China’s linguistic diversity.

Each region and city in China provides distinct cultural exposure, historical sites, and local cuisine, enriching your language learning journey with unforgettable experiences and insights into Chinese life. Therefore, when choosing your program and location, weigh these factors carefully to find the best fit for your personal and educational aspirations.

• Chinese Classes Near Me: How to Find the Best Chinese Classes and Tutors
• Top Universities in China for International Students

The Best Study Abroad Programs in China’s Major Cities

Learn Chinese in Beijing

University Chinese Language Programs:

• Tsinghua University: Known primarily for its engineering and science programs, Tsinghua also offers high-quality Chinese language courses tailored especially for exchange students. These courses are well-regarded and provide a solid foundation in Chinese.
• Peking University: Although Beida is more famous for its social science programs, it offers Chinese learning programs, often in partnership with international universities. The university is known for its comprehensive approach and high academic standards.
• Beijing Language and Culture University: Also known as “Little United Nations,” BLCU is highly popular among international students and offers a range of online and in-person Chinese language programs​.
• Beijing International Studies University: This university offers semester-based courses focusing on intensive reading, speaking, listening, and conversation, including HSK test preparation. Short-term courses are available, particularly during the summer​.
• University of International Business and Economics: This university offers elementary, intensive, and business Chinese courses catering to students and professionals interested in economics and international business.

Chinese Language Schools:

• Beijing International Chinese College: This school offers immersive Chinese language courses. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking to understand the Chinese language and culture more deeply​.
• Mandarin Zone School: This school provides a variety of programs tailored to different students’ needs, emphasizing improving communicative ability in Chinese. It’s a good option for students looking for a personalized learning experience.
• That’s Mandarin: Known for their in-house teaching platform, That’s Mandarin offers a variety of courses including part-time and corporate Chinese. They also provide a range of flexible options suitable for different learning needs​.

Learn Chinese in Shanghai

University Chinese Language Programs:

• Fudan University: Fudan offers exceptional quality standard Chinese courses. Its prestigious status ensures a high educational standard, although its campus is relatively far from the city center.
• East China Normal University: ECNU offers long-term Chinese language classes emphasizing listening, speaking, reading, and writing to build a strong foundation in the language.
• Shanghai International Studies University: Known for its multidisciplinary and multicultural nature, SISU offers normal and intensive Chinese language class options, catering to a variety of learning needs and goals.

Chinese Language Schools:

• Mandarin House: This school has a self-developed curriculum aligned with HSK standards, providing personalized learning experiences from business Chinese to custom HSK preparation.
• SN Mandarin Chinese Language School: This school offers an intensive Chinese language course for deep immersion. It is an excellent option for those who want a comprehensive learning experience in a shorter timeframe.
• GoEast: This school offers a range of courses from beginner to advanced levels, including business Chinese and HSK preparation. Their method involves a mix of self-study and personal instruction, aiming to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

Learn Chinese in Guangzhou / Shenzhen

University Chinese Language Programs:

• Sun Yat-sen University: One of the top universities in southern China, Sun Yat-sen offers comprehensive Chinese language and culture courses for all levels. It has a diverse student body, including over 3,000 international students.
• Ji’nan University: Known for its high percentage of foreign students, Ji’nan University offers a broad range of Chinese language courses, including business Chinese and HSK preparation, along with regular semester courses​.
• South China Normal University and South China University of Technology: Both universities are well-reputed in the Tianhe District for their Chinese language programs and rich campus life.

Chinese Language Schools:

• Expat Chinese: This center provides Mandarin and Cantonese lessons tailored to Western learners. They offer a variety of learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings, such as monthly workshops and cultural activities.
• Hanbridge: They provide a variety of courses, including Business Mandarin, HSK Test Preparation, and Chinese for Kids and Teens, among others. The school is noted for its qualified tutors and customized lessons tailored to students’ needs.

Learn Chinese in Hangzhou

University Chinese Language Programs:

• Zhejiang University: This university is known for its prestigious language programs and offers a range of courses from beginner to advanced levels, including intensive HSK preparation.
• Zhejiang Chinese Medical University: This university offers a Chinese Language Program targeted at beginners aiming to improve their Chinese proficiency. The program spans one semester to one academic year and includes comprehensive Chinese, listening, speaking, and cultural studies.
• Zhejiang University of Science and Technology: Their programs are structured to improve Chinese language skills and understanding of Chinese culture. They offer both long-term and short-term courses to cater to different learning needs and schedules.

Chinese Language School:

• Mandarin Mates: This school offers offline Chinese language classes designed to provide immersive and interactive learning experiences. The classes cater to various levels, aiming to enhance students’ Chinese language skills effectively within the cultural context.

Learn Chinese in Chengdu

University Chinese Language Programs:

• Sichuan University: The Chinese Language Program is designed for international students and includes comprehensive language training and cultural education. It features experienced faculty, diverse courses, and modern facilities. Classes, capped at 25 students, focusing on reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Afternoon extracurriculars like calligraphy and Taiji are offered. The program organizes weekend trips and functions as a test center for HSK and other Chinese language proficiency exams.
• Southwest Jiaotong University: This university offers long-term Chinese language and culture programs for international students. Courses cover various aspects including intensive reading, extensive reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Students are placed in levels based on initial tests. The program emphasizes small class sizes and experienced teachers for efficient learning.
• Chengdu University: The non-degree programs for international students focus on Chinese Language and Culture, including courses like Chinese Listening, Spoken Chinese, and an Overview of China. Additionally, cultural activities like calligraphy and Tai-Chi are offered.

Chinese Language School:

• XMandarin: This school offers personalized and small group Chinese language courses. The school tailors programs to individual interests and speeds, ensuring a quality educational experience. They also provide cultural events and assist with China Student Visas.

Learn Chinese in Chongqing

University Chinese Language Programs:

• Chongqing University: The program covers various aspects of the language, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The course materials and application requirements highlight a well-structured curriculum designed to accommodate different levels of learners. Interested students can expect to engage in a rigorous study schedule, complemented by cultural immersion activities to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture.
• Chongqing Jiaotong University: This university provides a Chinese Language Learning Program with options for both semester-long and year-long studies. This program caters to individuals aiming to improve their Chinese language skills from basic to more advanced levels. The university’s approach involves a combination of classroom instruction and practical language application, facilitating a conducive learning environment for international students​.

Chinese Language School:

• Hutong School: This school offers various Chinese language courses tailored to different needs, including HSK preparation, business Chinese, and courses for children. They provide both private and group classes, with small class sizes ensuring individual attention.

Learn Chinese in Dalian

University Chinese Language Programs:

• Dalian University of Foreign Languages: This university offers long-term Chinese Training Programs with options for one semester or one year. Their programs start in both spring and autumn, with application deadlines typically set a few months before the start dates. Courses are taught in Chinese and are designed for a range of levels from beginner to advanced.

Chinese Language Schools:

• Smile Chinese: This school offers a range of Chinese language courses, including intensive Chinese and business Chinese.
• Panda Chinese: This school specializes in personalized Chinese language courses and HSK / BCT preparation classes. It caters to the need for intensive survival courses, such as Chinese for spouses.

Learn Chinese in Xi’an

University Chinese Language Programs:

• Xi’an Jiaotong University: This university offers a comprehensive Chinese Language Program aimed at developing students’ foundational Chinese skills and intercultural communication abilities. The program integrates Chinese culture into the language teaching and prepares students for the HSK examination. The program duration varies from one semester to one academic year, with different fees for application and tuition.
• Xi’an International Studies University: XISU offers a range of graduate and undergraduate programs with a strong focus on foreign languages and literature. It is highly recognized for fostering foreign language competence and adaptability among its graduates. The university is committed to international exchange and maintains partnerships with numerous institutions worldwide.
• Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University: This university program offers comprehensive Chinese language modules that cater to various learning levels, aligning with the CEFR and HSK standards. Credited modules and non-degree courses, alongside practical Chinese courses and a Summer School, are available for both undergraduate students and non-degree learners.

Chinese Language School:

• Xi’an Mandarin School: This school offers various Chinese language courses, including small group classes across different levels and private tuition customized to individual needs. They focus on practical language skills and cover topics from daily life to business Chinese. The school provides short summer and winter courses combining language learning with cultural immersion activities in Xi’an.

Learn Chinese in Yunnan

University Chinese Language Programs:

• Yunnan University: This university offers a variety of Chinese language and culture courses designed for international students. The program focuses on all aspects of Chinese language and includes many cultural activities for students’ overall development. The tuition fee for the non-degree program is approximately RMB 5,800 total​.
• Yunnan Normal University: This university’s programs specialize in one-on-one to one-on-five teaching programs covering Chinese language and culture. It also offers specialized programs like intensive training and HSK preparation. The tuition fee for the non-degree program is around RMB 12,500 total​.

Chinese Language School:

• Keats School: This school offers intensive, one-on-one Chinese language courses, tailored to the individual’s learning pace and style. The school spans across many famous cities in Yunnan, including Kunming, Dali, Tengchong, etc. It is well-regarded for its focus on ensuring students can practice Chinese in a natural setting, enhancing the learning experience beyond the classroom.

Learn Chinese in Guangxi

University Chinese Language Programs:

• Guangxi Normal University: A comprehensive public university in Guilin, Guangxi Normal University is known for its beautiful campuses and strong education programs. It offers a variety of Chinese language classes for all levels and is particularly noted for its international exchange programs.
• Guilin University of Technology: This university offers short-term (8-week) and year-long Chinese language courses.

Chinese Language Schools:

• Omeida Chinese Academy: This academy offers various Chinese language courses catering to different needs, from intensive immersion to part-time lessons. Features include a language partner program with native speakers, volunteer opportunities, and a range of extracurricular activities set against the backdrop of Yangshuo’s stunning scenery.
• Chinese Language Institute: This school offers immersive Chinese language programs in Guilin. They provide a range of learning options and are known for their flexible scheduling and diverse cultural experiences, making learning Chinese in a beautiful and clean environment even more appealing.

Additional resources：

• Learn Chinese in Montreal: Which Classes and Tutors are Right for You?
• Learn Mandarin in Hong Kong: Top Schools, Key Benefits, Challenges, and Expert Tips
• Best Chinese Classes in London: A Review of Schools, Tutors, and Online Options

Next Steps

1. Research and Decide: Consider your goals, budget, and preferred city/environment. Research each program and its offerings.
2. Apply: Once you’ve chosen a program, complete the application process, which may include submitting documents, language proficiency scores, and application fees. Regardless of if it’s an accredited program with a university or a program organized by an independent language school, they are usually pleased to help with the application process.
3. Secure Funding: Apply for scholarships, financial aid, or personal funding to support your studies.
4. Visa Application: Upon acceptance, apply for a student visa with the help of your chosen institution. Generally, students aiming to study in China need to apply for an X1 or X2 visa, depending on the length of your study program. While certain countries enjoy visa-free access for short periods or under specific conditions, it’s crucial to check the latest travel advisories and requirements before planning your trip. How to Apply For A Chinese Student Visa, Tourist Visa, or Work Visa

5. Pre-departure Preparation: Engage in pre-departure language learning, familiarize yourself with Chinese culture and etiquette, and prepare necessary documents and living arrangements.
6. Arrival and Adjustment: Once in China, participate in orientation programs, get to know the area around your school and living accommodations, and start immersing yourself in the local language and culture.

Further reading：

• How to Find a Really Good Approach to Guide Your Chinese Learning
• How to Find a Really Good Chinese Teacher to Guide Your Learning
• How to Find a Really Fancy Chinese Textbook to Guide Your Learning

Conclusion

Learning Chinese in China presents a unique and enriching opportunity to explore the language and culture directly from its source. Whether you’re drawn to the historical depth of Beijing, the modern pulse of Shanghai, or the scenic beauty of Kunming, each city offers its unique flavor of Chinese life and learning. We encourage you to consider this transformative experience, not just for the language proficiency you will gain but for the personal growth and global understanding it promises. Learning Chinese in China is not merely about acquiring a language; it’s about immersing yourself in a culture, meeting new people, and seeing the world from a different vantage point. Take the plunge and explore the vast, dynamic country of China while becoming fluent in one of the world’s most spoken languages.

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Equally important in this learning process is choosing the right learning material. A well-chosen book can significantly impact your learning progress. It’s essential to select a book that aligns with your learning objectives, whether it’s passing a Chinese proficiency exam, improving conversational skills, doing business with Chinese people, or understanding Chinese culture. The right book is often well-structured and systematic. It not only guides you through the complexities of the language but also keeps you engaged and motivated throughout your learning journey.

Understanding Different Learning Levels

Usually, different levels of Chinese learners have distinct needs, and learning books cater to these varying requirements. But how do you choose the good ones?

For beginners, the foundation is always about understanding the basic knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, mastering pronunciation, and acquiring vocabulary. Beginners need books that introduce basic grammar and vocabulary in a simple, engaging way. Take pronunciation as an example, some books only include one lesson on it, if you don’t have a tutor to do more intensive extra practice, it’s definitely not enough. Usually, no matter if it’s for self-learning or learning with a teacher, a beginner’s book should include detailed pronunciation instructions and practice exercises. The content should be presented in small, manageable sections to prevent overwhelming the learner.

For intermediate learners, vocabulary and grammar are the most vital parts. Make sure the grammar points are well explained and the vocabulary is truly at the intermediate level.  Some books might include many unnecessary advanced words. Books for intermediate learners should offer authentic texts, which introduce nuances of the language and encourage reading without Pinyin.

For advanced learners, reading and writing in paragraphs is highly valued. So the variety of topics and richness of the content should be considered carefully when choosing learning books. Advanced books often focus on specific aspects of the language, like formal writing or business communication. There’s less emphasis on language rules and more on usage, idioms, and style.

If there is a certain aspect you need to improve, such as speaking, writing, test preparation, or business conversations, then choose a book that focuses on that point. Some books place emphasis on certain skills across all levels. For example, if you want to improve your reading level, your target book should offer increasingly complex texts, with exercises to improve comprehension. You can always find a book that caters to your needs.

Top Chinese Books for Beginners

For complete beginners, traditional textbooks are the most common pick because they offer the most structured and systematic approach. Books like “Integrated Chinese,” “HSK Standard Course,” and “New Practical Chinese Reader” are popular choices, each with their unique and effective approaches to teaching essential pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

Related Reading: Chinese for Beginners – All-in-one Guide

HSK Standard Course Series

These books are tailored for learners preparing for the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) Chinese proficiency tests. They align closely with the HSK exam’s structure, covering the vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension required at each level. They offer systematic and in-depth training with exercises and mock tests that mimic the actual exam format, enabling learners to track and improve their proficiency. HSK Standard Course also progressively introduces Chinese characters, helping beginners transition from Pinyin to reading and writing characters.

Integrated Chinese

This series is known for its balanced approach to teaching speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. It contextually introduces vocabulary and grammar, focusing on language use in everyday situations. The lessons are structured to gradually build up language proficiency, starting from basic phrases and sentences to more complex structures. Integrated Chinese uses a mix of Pinyin and characters from the start, encouraging learners to familiarize themselves with Chinese script early on.

New Practical Chinese Reader

This series, which is designed to develop communicative competence, is often used in schools. It starts with basic vocabulary and grammar, presented through thematic lessons that reflect real-life situations. The New Practical Chinese Reader series includes cultural notes and background information to enhance students’ understanding. It uses a combination of Pinyin and characters, with a gradual shift towards more character-based content as the learner progresses. The books include a variety of exercises focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

To complement this series, we’ve developed a video course tailored to the New Practical Chinese Reader textbooks, enhancing the learning experience.

Oxford Beginner’s Chinese Dictionary

This is a resource for those starting to learn Chinese. Designed for easy use, it features clear entries with Pinyin, essential vocabulary tailored for beginners, and practical grammar and usage tips. Unique to this dictionary are the cultural insights, enriching the learning experience by connecting language with its cultural context. Additionally, it often includes thematic word lists and may offer digital resources for an enhanced learning experience. This dictionary is more than just a language tool; it’s a comprehensive guide for beginners getting deeper into both the language and culture of China.

Top Books for Intermediate Chinese Learners

Developing Chinese

This series is comprehensive and is often used in academic settings. It systematically introduces vocabulary and grammar concepts, with each lesson building on the previous one. The books use real-life dialogues and texts to provide context for the language elements being taught. They emphasize practical usage and include a variety of exercises to reinforce learning. The series also integrates cultural elements, helping learners to not only prepare for the exams but also gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and its linguistic nuances, which is especially beneficial for intermediate learners. Alongside the comprehensive course, this series also includes listening, speaking, and writing courses at each level, which make it a one-stop shop for Chinese learners.

Complete Mandarin Chinese

This is a comprehensive guide recommended for learners aiming to reach an intermediate level in Mandarin. This book stands out thanks to its thorough coverage of essential language skills, including advanced vocabulary, complex grammar structures, and practical conversation scenarios. It focuses on real-life language use, enabling learners to improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a balanced manner. With its clear explanations, varied exercises, and cultural notes, “Complete Mandarin Chinese” is an ideal resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of the language and progress beyond the basics.

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar

This book offers a clear and detailed overview of complex grammar structures in Mandarin. It is a comprehensive guide, blends traditional and function-based approaches to Mandarin Chinese grammar in one volume. The book is split into two parts: Part A focuses on grammar categories like phrase order and different usages, while Part B centers on language functions such as communication strategies and expressing regrets. Both parts are interlinked with detailed cross-references, enriching the understanding of grammatical patterns with a functional perspective. The grammar points are illustrated with examples emphasizing contemporary usage. Ideal for learners from beginners to intermediate, this book doesn’t require previous grammar knowledge. It includes a glossary of terms and pairs with a separate workbook for exercises. This makes it a comprehensive reference and learning tool for Mandarin Chinese.

A New China: An Intermediate Reader of Modern Chinese

Now in a revised single-volume format, this book has established itself as a key textbook for intermediate Chinese language learning. This updated edition integrates the previous two-volume set, reflecting significant changes in China over the past decade. The book, written from the viewpoint of a foreign student newly arrived in China, offers contemporary lessons and materials on China’s evolving landscape. It starts with the student’s initial experiences in Beijing, covering everything from airport arrival to university dorm life. The new edition includes lessons on everyday activities like laundry and haircuts, along with cultural experiences at the zoo, night markets, and the Great Wall. Later sections address China’s current social and political topics, such as divorce and urban traffic challenges. “A New China” is comprehensive, with detailed grammar instructions, extensive vocabulary, and exercises. It also presents content in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters.

Top Books for Advanced Chinese Learners

Advanced Reader of Contemporary Chinese Short Stories: Reflections on Humanity

This collection of contemporary short stories is a great resource for advanced learners. It helps in understanding complex sentence structures, offers insights into Chinese society and culture, and introduces the advanced student to some of the most important Chinese writers. The stories are followed by detailed explanations of difficult phrases and comprehensive language activities. This book is suitable for learners at a high intermediate or advanced level who already have a good grasp of Chinese characters. However, if you find character recognition challenging, the vocabulary lists included will be particularly beneficial.

Eyes on China: An Intermediate-Advanced Reader of Modern Chinese

This is an ideal learning resource for intermediate to advanced Chinese language learners. This book offers a deep view of modern Chinese through a collection of compelling and contemporary readings. Covering a wide range of topics, from cultural trends to social issues, it provides learners with an authentic glimpse into China’s current affairs and everyday life. The book is designed to enhance language skills, particularly reading and comprehension, by presenting complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary. Each article is accompanied by thorough explanations and vocabulary lists, making it an effective tool for improving both language proficiency and cultural understanding. “Eyes on China” is a valuable asset for learners aiming to achieve a higher level of fluency and a deeper insight into modern Chinese society.

All Things Considered: Revised Edition

This is a thoroughly revised textbook that effectively transitions learners from intermediate to advanced Chinese. Addressing contemporary and stimulating topics relevant to Chinese society, such as wealth disparity, environmental challenges, and evolving views on marriage and sex, the book fosters student engagement and discussion. The first twelve lessons are presented in dialogue form, while the rest feature articles from Chinese newspapers and magazines, exposing students to both spoken and written Chinese. This structure not only provides diverse content but also reinforces learning through the repetition of topics in different formats. The new edition of “All Things Considered” presents an improved, user-friendly layout with text and vocabulary on adjacent pages and updated grammar explanations and exercises, making it an ideal resource for advanced Chinese language learners seeking a comprehensive and relevant learning experience.

Specialized Chinese Learning Books for Different Needs

Books to Help Improve Chinese Speaking Skills

New Target Chinese Spoken Language

This series is an innovative set of textbooks specifically designed for learners aiming to enhance their spoken Chinese skills. These books cater to a range of levels, from beginner to advanced, focusing on practical, everyday language use. The series adopts a conversational approach, with each book structured around real-life scenarios that learners are likely to encounter, from basic introductions to more complex social interactions. This method not only helps in building a robust vocabulary and understanding of grammar in a conversational context but also aids in developing listening and speaking skills. The lessons are complemented by cultural insights, making the learning process both comprehensive and engaging. This series is an excellent choice for learners who want to focus primarily on improving their oral communication skills in Mandarin Chinese.

Conversational Chinese 301

This is a widely acclaimed textbook designed for learners aiming to develop practical communication skills in Mandarin Chinese. Renowned for its focus on real-life conversational scenarios, the book comprises 40 lessons, each structured around common daily interactions and dialogues. This setup allows learners to quickly grasp essential vocabulary and sentence structures relevant to everyday situations. The fourth edition updates outdated texts to reflect current social life, adding terms like “high-speed rail,” “express delivery,” and “WeChat.” The lessons are concise yet comprehensive, making them ideal for both classroom use and self-study.

Resources to Help Improve Chinese Listening Skills

China Focus – 《中国微镜头：汉语视听说系列教材》

The “China Focus” series is a comprehensive set of language textbooks specifically designed for Chinese audio-visual courses. The series utilizes a wide array of audio-visual materials drawn from contemporary Chinese society, including documentaries, news, situational dramas, interviews, entertainment programs, short films, advertisements, and songs. It leverages an abundance of online video resources to create a classroom teaching environment based on natural language use. The series is categorized into six levels according to the difficulty of the audio-visual materials and covers various themes such as society, economy, culture, education, life, love, and art. Each theme is further divided into several topics, with each topic compiled into a separate volume. The language component of the series encompasses common communicative functions and scenarios across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, making it an ideal resource for learners seeking to enhance their listening skills in Mandarin.

Developing Chinese: Listening Course

• Elementary Listening Course 1
• Elementary Listening Course 2
• Intermediate Listening Course 1
• Intermediate Listening Course 2
• Advanced Listening Course 1
• Advanced Listening Course 2

This series is excellent for beginner to advanced learners, offering a range of listening exercises that cover various topics and situations. It’s designed to improve comprehensive listening skills and includes recordings of native speakers.

Resources to Improve Chinese Reading Skills

Chinese Breeze

“Chinese Breeze” is a well-regarded graded reader series designed to enhance the reading skills of Chinese language learners. Tailored for beginner and intermediate learners, the series offers a variety of engaging stories, each written using a limited number of unique Chinese characters. This controlled vocabulary approach makes the stories accessible and enjoyable for learners, helping them to build confidence and fluency in reading Chinese. The series covers a wide range of genres, from mystery to romance, providing cultural insights and language learning in an entertaining format.

Mandarin Companion

The “Mandarin Companion” series is a collection of graded readers specifically designed for Chinese language learners. This innovative series reimagines classic Western and Chinese stories, adapting them into simplified Chinese using a controlled vocabulary suitable for beginner and intermediate learners. The unique approach of the “Mandarin Companion” series makes reading in Chinese more accessible and enjoyable, helping learners to improve their reading comprehension and vocabulary in a context-rich environment. The series is acclaimed for its ability to seamlessly blend language learning with engaging storytelling, offering stories in various genres that captivate readers while simultaneously enhancing their Mandarin skills.

Bonus e-based reading resource

Mandarin Bean

Mandarin Bean’s graded reading content is an excellent resource for learners looking to improve their Chinese reading abilities. It offers a diverse selection of stories from ancient to modern China, suitable for learners of all levels. The website features Chinese folktales, idioms, news, jokes, stories from the Three Kingdoms period, and fun modern narratives, providing a rich and engaging learning experience. With Mandarin Bean, learners can build and expand their vocabulary, master Chinese sentence patterns, and immerse themselves in iconic parts of Chinese history and legends. Each article is structured to aid learning while being entertaining, featuring bilingual text in simplified Chinese, Pinyin, and English. A Chinese-only version for self-assessment, key vocabulary lists, sentence patterns with contextual examples, and engaging exercises are also available. The content is enhanced with learning tips and cultural insights and includes free audio recordings by native speakers to aid in listening and speaking practice. This approach makes Mandarin Bean’s graded reading content a valuable tool for learners exploring an exciting adventure in Chinese language learning.

Chinese History and Culture: Idioms, Legends, and Literature

Chinese Stories for Language Learners

This is a great resource for passionate Mandarin learners at an intermediate level, who are looking to immerse themselves in the captivating world of Chinese stories. This bilingual book offers a rich selection of 31 stories, ranging from ancient folktales and proverbs to tales of historical figures and modern narratives. It’s a comprehensive tool for expanding essential vocabulary and mastering over 60 Chinese sentence patterns, all contextualized within engaging stories. The book provides a unique insight into iconic Chinese history, legends, and wisdom, including witty idioms and proverbs with their original stories, enhancing cultural knowledge. Each story is presented in simplified Chinese, Pinyin, and English, with a Chinese-only version for self-assessment. Key vocabulary lists, sentence patterns with contextual examples, engaging activities, and learning tips ensure a well-rounded educational experience. “Chinese Stories for Language Learners” is more than just a learning resource; it’s a companion for an enjoyable and insightful journey into Chinese language and culture.

Chinese Stories for Language Learners: A Treasury of Proverbs and Folktales in Bilingual Chinese and English

This is a captivating book that presents 22 classic Chinese proverbs and the traditional tales behind them, ideal for intermediate and advanced Mandarin learners. Each story is bilingual, with Chinese and English text on facing pages, accompanied by explanations of the proverbs’ current usage, cultural notes, vocabulary, and discussion questions. The book includes audio recordings by native speakers, enhancing pronunciation and comprehension skills. The book features proverbs like “画龙点睛” “守株待兔” and “水至清则无鱼,” explaining their rich cultural and historical contexts. These stories offer insights into ancient Chinese wisdom and its relevance today. This collection serves as both an educational tool and an engaging way to expand vocabulary and deepen understanding of the Chinese language, whether in a classroom setting or for self-study.

Dream of the Red Chamber – 《红楼梦》

For those interested in classical Chinese literature, this novel is a treasure trove of advanced vocabulary and classical sentence structures. It’s both challenging and rewarding for advanced learners, offering a deep dive into the richness of the Chinese language and its literary heritage.

Learning Strategies and Tips

To make the most out of Chinese learning books and enhance your learning experience, consider incorporating these strategies.

1. Learn actively and regularly

Engage actively with your learning materials. Reading is not enough. Pick up your pencil and try to write down new Chinese characters and phrases, create your own sentences, and then use them in context. This active engagement helps reinforce what you’ve learned.

Consistent practice is vital in language learning. Dedicate a regular time for practice every day, even if it’s just for a short duration. This strategy will make you digest the knowledge more effectively

2. Repetition

Many learners love to learn new knowledge and are eager to progress very fast. Never forget to repeat the content you’ve learned previously. It’s not a fun process, but very helpful. There is always something new you can find and understand in the second or third time you review the content.

3. Build your learning net

Sometimes you may find that memorizing a single character or grammar pattern is very challenging. That’s because you don’t have a large learning net. Always put the words and patterns in context. This would involve associating characters or patterns with usages and meanings, which is much easier for you to remember and understand.

You may also find that a word or grammar point may have different meanings or uses but at different levels. You should learn each meaning one at a time, as they come up for you. You will get a clearer understanding of each unique use. There are numerous grammar collections or word usage summaries you can read. We will put a reference at the end of this article for you.  

4. Seek feedback

Most learners hate tests, but it’s actually a really important part of the learning process. Think of it not as seeking insult but as knowing your learning status. You can have your writing checked by a teacher or a native speaker. Or have a quiz after each learning stage or lesson. It’s an easy way to know the areas you need to improve and understand your mistakes.

5. Incorporate different skills

A holistic approach to Chinese learning can significantly enhance your overall proficiency. You can integrate various language skills, including reading, speaking, listening, and writing, into your study routine. For example, if you’re learning Chinese writing, you could read Chinese newspapers or books to see how words are used in context, engage in conversations with native speakers to improve your fluency and pronunciation and listen to Chinese podcasts or songs to enhance your comprehension and listening skills. Each skill complements and reinforces the others, leading to a more comprehensive and effective learning experience.

Conclusion

Choosing books that align with your learning style and objectives is crucial, as the right resources can significantly enhance your understanding and retention of the language. Alongside this, embracing diverse and effective learning strategies—such as incorporating various language skills, utilizing spaced repetition, and engaging with native content—will exponentially boost your language proficiency. With the right learning materials and a committed approach, the journey of learning Chinese can be as rewarding as it is transformative.

Reading References

• A Collection of Resources for Learning Chinese Characters– Books, Videos, Courses, Apps, Tools
• Recommended Chinese Textbooks
• Recommended Business Chinese Textbooks For Different Levels
• Where To Find the Best Chinese Graded Readers
• Chinese: Sentence Structures & Exceptions
• Chinese Reading Practice: A Guide for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Learners
• The Most Recommended Online Chinese Courses
• Most Recommended Resources
• Specialized Textbooks Geared Toward K12 Students
• Amazing Books for Kids Learning Chinese
• The Best Chinese Picture Books for Your Kids

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Problem #1: Not speaking from the start

“I’m still a bit hesitant to practice speaking.”

“Not spent so much time trying to learn EVERY single 汉字 I came across. And less time actually learning how to listen and speak.”

Teacher’s comments:

Many learners find that after studying a language for an extended period, they’ve become so caught up in the small details that they forget the true goal of learning a language: communication. Although some of these factors, such as characters, tones, vocabulary, and grammar, are essential for good communication, it’s a misstep to ignore speaking and listening skills completely.

You may find that even if you have memorized a lot of characters and grammar rules, you still can’t hold a basic conversation in Chinese. This is where doubt starts to creep in. Why have you bothered to invest so much time and energy into learning Chinese if you can’t even use it? It’s better to avoid this scenario altogether by making time for listening and speaking practice.

But how should you go about sharpening these skills? Let’s look at a few strategies:

1). Speak out loud and frequently

Talk to your Chinese friends, coworkers, or classmates in Chinese. Chase every opportunity you have to speak in your target language. These connections are precious because not everyone has real-life practice partners. Many have to rely on their teachers and tutors as their sole source of immersion.

If you have a Chinese teacher, that’s perfect. Try to avoid speaking English when you are with them. They know how to help you practice professionally and efficiently.

If, perhaps, you don’t have anyone in your life you can speak Chinese with, don’t despair! There are still options for you. There are many different apps and websites to connect you with language exchange partners. Try to find Chinese native speakers who are looking to learn a language that you speak, and set up opportunities for you to work on both speaking and listening.

2). Don’t be afraid of making mistakes..

While it may feel intimidating at first, take every new word and phrase you learn and drop it into conversation, just to see if it works. It’s the fastest way to see if you’re using it correctly, and even if you make a mistake, it’s still a learning opportunity. Yes, it can sometimes be embarrassing to receive that correction, but it ultimately means that that new phrase or word will stick in your brain even more strongly as a result.

So many native Chinese speakers understand that it’s a difficult language to learn, and are therefore both patient and tolerant with people trying to master it. Don’t be afraid to ask “什么？” or “你可以再说一遍吗?” as many times as you need to. Before you even notice, your listening skills will improve to the point that you’ll hardly need those phrases anymore.

3). Compare yourself to your old self, rather than classmates.

You may find that even if you’re in the same class as other students, their level is still above yours. Keep in mind that you don’t know their background. They may have learned the language previously and are coming back to it. They might have a Chinese partner or friend to help them practice outside of class. They may even just have a natural knack for Chinese. To keep things in perspective, the only person you should ever compare yourself to is your previous self. If you’re better today than you were yesterday, that’s one step closer to your personal finish line.

Related reading:

• A Comprehensive Guide for Chinese Beginners
• Chinese Speaking Practice Guide for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Learners
• Chinese Listening Practice Guide for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Learners

Problem #2: Skipping Grammar

“I feel like I should have focused more on writing and grammar rather than vocabulary building.”

“Paid more attention to elementary level grammar. “

Teacher’s comments:

Grammar matters. Even if you have memorized thousands of vocabulary words, you can’t produce meaningful sentences without grammar rules. Grammar is like the architectural blueprint, while vocabulary is the bricks and tiles. 

In the New HSK, there are 210 grammar points at the elementary level, 214 grammar points at the intermediate level, and 148 grammar points at the advanced level. The concepts covered in the elementary and intermediate levels cover about 80% of Chinese grammar. This structure places the most common and most important grammar structures at the  beginning, so even if you’ve just begun learning Chinese, don’t think that you can put off grammar until later. Establishing a firm foundation from the start will set you up for success and also decrease the burden you’ll face at the higher levels. 

Related reading:

• All grammar points
• The New HSK: An Overview and What’s Changed

Problem #3: Learning Incorrect Pronunciation

“Honestly, I should have focused more on pronunciation at the start, but I didn’t really have any money at the time to hire a professional teacher and (very obviously) was not able to figure it out on my own. Leading to me later having to fix some pronunciation issues.”

Teacher’s comments:

When you reach the point that you can hold a basic conversation in Chinese, you may find that native Chinese speakers have no problem understanding you, even though your pronunciation may not be correct. Is pronunciation even important? Do tones actually matter? The answer is definitely yes. When conversations are limited to daily topics, such as the weather, food, holidays, or daily life, native speakers can easily puzzle out what you’re trying to say. It may even give you a false sense of confidence that your pronunciation is “good enough” so you don’t need to work on it. The truth is, if you want to go any deeper or more complex in your conversations, they might get lost.

At some point when you look back, you can recall that “z/c/s”, “zh/ch/sh” or “j/q/x” really can make a big difference in speaking. The four tones and the light tone can easily twist your meaning without you noticing. Mastery  of pronunciation is a process of constant intensified practice in both speaking and listening. There is a phenomenon called fossilization in linguistics. When you get used to the wrong pronunciation, it is very hard to correct, or it will take a hundred times the effort to alter it. In many cases, learners get discouraged and feel frustrated when confronted with misunderstandings and confused faces. Then they don’t want to continue anymore. After all,few of us have the courage and patience to start all over again. So, don’t mess around when it comes to your beginning pronunciation practice.

There are many online Chinese language courses and videos to help with pronunciation, and these are more than sufficient for beginner to intermediate-advanced learners. They’re convenient because you practice Chinese at your convenience and repeat it as many times as you need to. However, speaking is a bit special compared to the other essential skills because you really need instant feedback to know if you’re doing well or not.

So, if you can have a real tutor to coach your pronunciation from the beginning, that would be perfect. You are walking on the shortest path. But, if you don’t have the time or money for it, don’t worry. There are many great fundamental pronunciation video courses and drills online. You can learn by yourself at first. Watch and practice along with them again and again. After you’ve spent a good amount of time practicing on your own, book a session with a professional Chinese teacher to analyze your pronunciation and give you suggestions for improvement. You will know what your weaknesses are and how to strengthen them.

Just remember, the later you start, the more effort you’ll need to make.

Related reading:

• Chinese Pronunciation: The Complete Guide for Beginner
• 5 Practical Tips to Find the Best Online Chinese Tutor
• The Most Recommended Online Chinese Courses

Conclusion:

The common thread between all these comments is they all regret ignoring an important aspect of the language, thinking that they’ll simply catch up later. In the end, all of these skills, speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary, are fundamental and indispensable. The amount of time that you allocate to each of them is flexible and may vary depending on your current skillset and goals. So it’s important to know when you should focus more on certain areas over others. If you’re not sure, the best way is to look at your performance. How did you do on your last quiz? When you took the HSK, what was your lowest score? Or more directly, ask your teacher what areas you could improve in. They will likely be more than happy to help you analyze your skills and set up a learning plan.

Do your experiences learning Chinese match any of the comments you just read? What would you have done differently in your own journey learning Chinese if you could start over? Let us know in the comments!

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More about the NEW HSK 3.0’s details and changes.

• Where to register for and take the HSK 7-9 test?
• Who can participate in the HSK 7-9 test?
• The New HSK 7-9 test structure and content
• When to take the HSK 7-9 test?
• What should I know about the HSK 7-9 test?

Where to register for and take the HSK 7-9 test?

There are two main forms of the exam: a paper-based test, an internet-based test at the test center. You can choose the one provided in your country or area.

Where to register: www.chinesetest.cn

Registration deadline for the global exam is listed below.

Test fee payment: Pay online if you will take the test in the Chinese mainland; Contact your test site and pay there if you are in other areas of the world.

Registration Process:

1. Choose Test Center
2. Fill out personal information
3. Upload your information
4. Confirm Registration
5. Registration confirmed by officials 

Who can participate in the HSK 7-9 test?

The advanced level of the new HSK, from Band 7 to Band 9, is designed for advanced Chinese learners, including those who major in Chinese language and literature, those who study in China for their master’s and doctoral degrees, sinologists, as well as those who need to use Chinese in their work and research. 

Note:

• Registering across countries is NOT allowed.

The New HSK 7-9 test structure and content

Download New HSK 7-9 Vocabulary

When to take the HSK 7-9 test? The test schedules (2025)

What should I know about the HSK 7-9 test?

Computer requirements:

1. Please install Windows (7/10) operating system and Google Chrome. DO NOT use Mac (Apple)
2. Suggested screen resolution ≥ 1440 * 900 (Less than 1366 * 768 is NOT allowed) Windows 10 displays 100%
3. Must have a camera (≥ 300,000 Pixels)
4. Mobile devices are NOT allowed (including cellphones, tablets, etc.)

Required headset

1. Plug-in headset is necessary (Bluetooth headsets are NOT allowed)
2. Make sure your headset is clear and of good quality. Make sure your microphone has good acoustics
3. When taking the Listening and Oral test sections, please wear your headset

Internet requirements

The upload and download symmetrical bandwidth should be ≥20M, and the connection speed for the test taker must reach 150KB/s or above. Proxy mode or VPNs cannot be used. Please test the network speed yourself in advance, and if it meets the standard when tested more than three times, it qualifies.

For more details about the HSK 7-9 test requirements, you can download here.

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As a language learner, if you ever tried to search for language learning apps, it’s highly possible that you’ve seen Duolingo already. Duolingo is a hugely popular language-learning app, launched in 2012. There are about 500 million users worldwide. It promises to let you master a new language on your phone at any time, including Mandarin Chinese. Some of our DigMandarin users have mentioned that they’ve used Duolingo Chinese before. We are curious about this app, so this time let’s dig more into it together.

How Duolingo Chinese works:

The inside logic of Duolingo lessons:

Duolingo claims that they googled the 3,000 most commonly used words in each language, translated them into English, and used the words to compose simple sentences. Then they wrote an algorithm that would spit out lessons that include prompts for words and sentences using translation, listening, and reading.

How Duolingo Chinese works:

For Duolingo Chinese, you will first choose if you want to start from scratch or test your current level. When starting from scratch, you will directly jump into the first lesson’s exercise. If you take the test, it will direct you to some topics in the middle of the course after answering several questions. The whole Chinese course covers over 1,500 words and 2,500 sentences. You can then set up a daily learning goal, such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 20 minutes.

Exercise types:

• Flashcards: test if you can recognize the target character or word; test if you can connect the pronunciation and the shape of the character.
• Translation: test if you can remember the corresponding meaning.
• Listening: test if you can recognize the pronunciation. If you are not available for listening at that moment, you can skip it. There are normal and slow speed options to listen to.
• Matching: test if you can match the pinyin, meanings, and words.

The rules:

There are many gamification tricks to draw users’ attention closely, such as gaining points, treasure chests, and streaks.

If you make a mistake, it might cost you a “heart”. If you didn’t perform well enough during the lesson and lose them all, it will freeze your learning progress unless you do the review practice once again and pass it. To be able to continue learning and start a new lesson, you have to practice and review the content you just saw. You can’t skip a certain topic to do a further one unless you can pass the test of that topic. So, it’s designed for learning step by step, topic by topic. If you want to be unlimited when playing, you will need to purchase a subscription for Super Duolingo.    

Duolingo’s reminder system is also famous. If you don’t open the app and practice each day, it will keep reminding you until you start your lesson.

Verdict:

Overall, the whole Duolingo interface is very simple and clear. Everyone from children to the elderly can easily go ahead and learn. As a learning app, Duolingo is fun and not a complete waste of time. You can at least learn some basic Chinese characters and words through daily exercises on your phone. The lesson length and exercise types are apt. You won’t feel very pressured during the practicing process. The gamification also eases the burden, especially when it turns into a daily assignment.

As a learner, you can definitely learn some basic knowledge from this app; however, if you want to be level up in Chinese, it won’t be enough. You can learn as many basic words as you want through it. But as a language, the final goal is always communication. When you want to transform the words that you’ve learned into spoken language in a real-life situation, you might find that it’s hard to be fluent. Especially for Chinese learning, there is no real writing and speaking practice.

And Duolingo often just drops a new character or word on you without much explanation of what it does. The whole process of learning is by rote memorization, which connects the pronunciation, character, and meaning with each flashcards exercise. There are no real instructions for the grammar rules and there is no background knowledge.

In this case, if you want to go further in learning the Chinese language, Duolingo Chinese is definitely not enough. But if you just want to get to know this language a little bit, or use it as a word review game, it’s apt. 

Supplement and Recommendation:

Learning through an app might be a beginning, but not the end. To help you really step into studying Chinese language, we have some supplementary learning materials for you when you are using Duolingo Chinese.

Recommendation

First, the Pinyin system:

You might find that even if you choose “learn from scratch” with Duolingo Chinese, you will still directly jump to character and pronunciation recognition without any instruction. So, to create a good foundation and better your understanding, you need to learn the Chinese pronunciation system — Pinyin, systematically. After this, all the exercises won’t be a blind guess, but real practice.

Chinese Characters:

For almost all the Chinese learners, Chinese character is a real pain. So, a better understanding of the characters’ background knowledge and construction process and methods are really necessary. There are some recommended character learning resources for you to choose.

Chinese grammar:

Grammar explanation is also lacking in Duolingo Chinese. You have no idea how the sentences are constructed and why they come that way. To produce more sentences naturally, you can’t miss out on learning Chinese grammar. Here is exactly the grammar course you need.   

Supplements

Since the whole Duolingo course just contains very basic words and the corresponding words are limited, you can’t learn more through it. So, to better expand your vocabulary, you can check out our Vocabulary Training Camp, which is also designed topic by topic. It can be a great supplement for Duolingo’s Chinese exercises.

Some ambitious learners might want to start learning Chinese in a formal and efficient way after trying the Duolingo app. To be fluent and get a deep understanding of this language, a professional tutor is the key. Here are some tips for you to choose a proper tutor. Or, if you want to learn by yourself, there are many online Chinese courses available for you. You can learn anytime, anywhere, in a more structured way as long as you have a phone or computer.

Language learning is never an easy road. If you want to master a language in no time, hard work is the key. Furthermore, great learning materials and resources can also help you learn more efficiently and faster. There is an old Chinese saying: “工欲善其事，必先利其器”, which means the mechanic, who wishes to do his work well, must first sharpen his tools.  It’s the same way with Chinese. Sharpen your learning tools first!

The post Can Duolingo help you master Chinese? – Duolingo Chinese Review appeared first on .

To test if these Chinese grammar checkers work well, first, we need to list a series of Chinese sentences with typical grammar errors. We have already introduced the Top 20 Common Mistakes Chinese Learners Make, and we selected 14 of them to form our test targets. Compared to paragraph errors, sentence grammar errors are much easier to identify and correct. No matter whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced learner, you need to deal with sentence errors.   

Here is a list of test sentences with common grammar errors:

1. 这个小狗是可爱。
2. 我想买一个电脑，一个书，一个衣服。
3. 下午二点，我们准备去图书馆两楼看二本书。
4. 他是不是美国人吗？
5. 我喜欢打篮球和我妹妹喜欢听音乐。我住在北京和我有一只狗。
6. 他以前常常在早上学了中文。
7. 这本书没好看。
8. 他结婚过两次，现在他想结婚和她。
9. 昨天的工作很多，我一直工作到晚上11点就做完。
10. 汉语课9点上课，他早上6点才到教室了。
11. 你会看见那边的那棵树吗?
12. 我吃面条在那个饭馆。
13. 他比我很高。
14. 一个女孩找你在办公室外面。

Can you correct all these sentences on your own? Give it a try and you can click here to check if your answers are correct.

The correct sentences:

1. 这只小狗很可爱。This puppy is very cute.
(Using “是” with adjectives inappropriately, Over-use of measure word “个”)

2. 我想买一台电脑，一本书，一件衣服。I want to buy a computer, a book, and a piece of clothing.
(Over-use of measure word “个”)

3. 下午两点，我们准备去图书馆二楼看两本书。At two o’clock in the afternoon, we are going to read two books on the second floor of the library.
(Misuse of “二” and “两”)

4. 他是不是美国人？ / 他是美国人吗？Is he American?
(Using “吗” for all Yes/No questions)

5. 我喜欢打篮球，我妹妹喜欢听音乐。我住在北京，我有一只狗。I like to play basketball, and my sister likes to listen to music. I live in Beijing, and I have a dog.
(Over-use of “和”)

6. 他以前常常在早上学中文。He used to study Chinese in the morning.
(Over-use of “了”)

7. 这本书不好看。This book is not good.
(Misuse of “不” and “没”)

8. 他结过两次婚，现在他想和她结婚。He was married twice and now he wants to marry her.
(Misuse of the separable words)

9. 昨天的工作很多，我一直工作到晚上11点才做完。I had a lot of work yesterday, and I didn’t finish my work until 11 o’clock in the evening.
(Confusing “就” with “才”)

10. 汉语课9点上课，他早上6点就到教室了。The Chinese class starts at 9:00, and he arrives at the classroom at 6:00 in the morning.
(Confusing “就” with “才”)

11. 你能看见那边的那棵树吗? Can you see that tree over there?
(Misuse of the modal verbs)

12. 我在那个饭馆吃面条。I eat noodles at that restaurant.
(Incorrect placement of adverbial phrases)

13. 他比我高。He is taller than me.  / 他比我高很多。He is much taller than me.
(Misuse of comparative sentences with “比”)

14. 办公室外面有个女孩找你。There is a girl looking for you outside the office.
(Unfamiliar with Existence sentence)

There are 20 errors and 14 types of common grammar mistakes in these test sentences. Let’s take a look at the performance of the following online Chinese grammar checkers.

A Review and Comparison of Online Chinese Grammar Checkers

Sapling

The original version:

The revised version:

Review:

There are 19 suggested edits, and among them, four of them are about punctuation, which is irrelevant. The use of an adjective as the predicate in sentence 1 was successfully corrected, which changes “是” to “很”. The second sentence about measure words was fully corrected. However, the incorrect measure word in the first sentence wasn’t detected. Although sometimes we hear “这个小狗” in spoken language, it should be more formal and accurate if it’s in written Chinese. In sentences 7, 12, and 14, the corrected sentences are correct in terms of grammar, but it changed the whole meaning. So, the corrections here are not ideal. Sentence 5 is interesting. Since there are two instances of over-use of “和”, but it just detected one. In sentences 4 and 6, the use of yes/no questions and the use of “了” were both corrected correctly. All other sentences and grammar issues were not corrected successfully. Five grammar error types were detected in total.

Text Gears

The original version:

The revised version:

Review:

There are four edits and two types of grammar errors detected. In sentence 1, the adjective acting as the predicate was corrected properly. However, it didn’t detect the measure word problem. In sentence 2, it detected the measure word errors successfully, but the revised version is still not acceptable. It doesn’t give the user a direct answer, which means you need to correct the suggested answer once again on your own. All other sentences and grammar errors were not detected. In total, there was only one error corrected successfully.

One good point is that the surface of the checker is quite clear. You can see which part you need to improve, including grammar, spelling, style, punctuation, and structure. It even gives you metrics on the readability of your content. If this checker worked correctly, it would be very helpful.

Sentence Checker

The original version:

The revised version:

Review:

Sentence Checker detected four grammar errors, which are also presented on the surface. As the other checkers did, this one only corrected sentence 1 for the adjective functioning as the predicate, but the measure word problem remained. It did correct the measure words in sentence 2. All other grammar problems were not detected. In total, there are two types of grammar errors that were corrected.

This Sentence Checker seems like the same tool as Grammar Checker. There are also other language checkers. You can try and see if they work better than the Chinese one. 

Language Tool

The original version:

The revised version:

Review:

It surprised me that I finally found a checker that could detect the “二” and “两” problem in sentence 3; although only one of them is corrected. There are actually three problems in that sentence, and all of them are about the use of “二” and “两”. Maybe “两本书” is stored in their database, but the general language grammar rules are not. The measure words in sentence 2 and the predicate in sentence 1 were corrected, as other checkers did. All other grammar problems were not detected.

Conclusion:

Even though I was profoundly impressed by many online English grammar checkers with their strong and intelligent functions, the Chinese grammar checkers shocked me a little because they are basically useless. At least the checkers I tested above didn’t perform well enough. Most of the common mistakes that second language learners might make were not corrected or even detected. Not to mention untypical mistakes and more complex grammar error types. Maybe there are still some truly useful grammar checkers that I don’t know about yet. So, if you know one, share it with us! I’m eager to see and use it.

The post A Review of the Best Online Chinese Grammar Checkers appeared first on .

Grammatical particles in Chinese don’t have a meaning on their own but are attached to words, phrases, or sentences to serve specific functions. Nouns, verbs, and adjectives have concrete meanings, making them easier to understand and memorize. However, particles can be challenging for Chinese learners since their full meaning can only be understood when they are used in context. Some particles express tone, while others help with sentence formation or indicate tense.

Despite their challenging nature, particles are essential and practical to learn since they help you express far more specific and complex ideas. Their fixed patterns make them quite easy to use once you understand their basic function, and this article can serve as your starting point.

Today we’re going over three major families of grammar particles: aspect particles, structural particles, and modal particles. At the very end, you’ll find a practice exercise to help you more concretely understand when and how to use them.

Chinese Aspect Particles 动态助词

Chinese expresses tense in a very different way than English. Instead of changing the form of verbs, particles are used to indicate tense. Aspect particles are added after verbs or adjectives to show the state of an action or change. The three most common particles used for this are 着, 了, and 过.

着 (zhe)

To show the continuation of an action or state in Chinese, 着 is added after the verb. The usual structure we use is Subject + Verb + 着（+ Object）. Generally speaking, this is similar to verbs that end in -ing in English.

门开着。(Mén kāizhe.) The door is open.

地上坐着一只狗。(Dìshàng zuòzhe yī zhī gǒu.) A dog is sitting on the ground.

他穿着一件长袖。(Tā chuān zhe yī jiàn cháng xiù.) He is wearing long sleeves.

When 着 is used with words like 在 or 正在, it indicates the present progressive tense.

我正在做着饭，他就来了。(Wǒ zhèngzài zuòzhe fàn, tā jiù láile.) I was cooking when he arrived.

他在公园里听着歌呢。(Tā zài gōngyuán lǐ tīngzhe gē ne.) He was listening to music in the park.

我们正在思考着这件事。( Wǒmen zhèngzài sīkǎo zhe zhèjiàn shì .) We are thinking about this.

Further reading: How to Use 着 to express Chinese verb continuity

了 (le)

As a tense particle, 了 indicates the completion of an action and is often put after the verb. This is the most straightforward way to indicate the past tense, but keep in mind that 了 has many other uses. There are also other ways to indicate the past tense in Chinese depending on the context.

昨天我买了两件衣服。(Zuótiān wǒ mǎile liǎng jiàn yīfu.) I bought two pieces of clothing yesterday.

早上我喝了一杯咖啡。(Zǎoshang wǒ hēle yībēi kāfēi.) I had a cup of coffee in the morning.

我中午去了公园，没去图书馆。(Wǒ zhōngwǔ qùle gōngyuán, méi qù túshū guǎn.) I went to the park at noon and didn’t go to the library.

Further reading: Essential Guide to the Chinese Particle 了

过 (guò)

indicate that the action has happened before. However, there are certain limitations to the verbs that can be used with 过. Verbs of recognition and verbs that can only happen once cannot be used with 过.

我去过北京。(Wǒ qùguò běijīng.) I have been to Beijing.

你吃过饺子吗？(Nǐ chīguò jiǎozi ma?) Have you ever eaten dumplings?

我们学过这本书。(Wǒmen xuéguò zhè běn shū.) We have studied this book before.

Further reading:

• A Comprehensive Guide to Using the Particle 过
• Navigating the Past Tense with 过 and 了

Chinese Structural Particles 结构助词

Structural particles in Chinese are placed before or after certain words to create specific fixed sentence structures. In modern Chinese, 的, 地, and 得 are the most commonly used structural particles. These three words all share the same pronunciation but have distinct uses and associated structures.

的 (de)

的 is one of the first Chinese characters taught to new learners and is also the first grammatical particle that they encounter. As a structural particle, 的 is an attributive marker. In more simple terms, it can show possession or mark that an adjective describes the noun that follows.

…… + 的 +Noun

e.g.

• 我的口红 (Wǒ de kǒuhóng) my lipstick
• 学校的书 (xuéxiào de shū) the school’s book
• 漂亮的鸟 (piàoliang de niǎo) beautiful bird
• 吃的东西 (chī de dōngxi) things to eat
• 妈妈做的饭 (māma zuò de fàn) mom’s cooking    

Further reading: Master the Attributive Particle 的

地 (de)

Even native Chinese speakers sometimes mix up 的 and 地, both of which can be structural particles. When used as a structural particle, 地 is an adverbial marker, meaning it connects an adverb or adjective and the verb that it describes.

Adjective / Adverb + 地 + Verb phrase / Adjective

e.g.

学生们努力地学习。(Xuéshēngmen nǔlì de xuéxí.) The students study hard.

老师认真地上课。(Lǎoshī rènzhēn de shàngkè.) The teacher takes the class seriously.

我早早地去学校了。 (Wǒ zǎozǎo de qù xuéxiàole.) I went to school early.

Further reading: How To Use The Structural Particle “地” In Chinese Grammar

得 (de)

When used as a structural particle, 得 is commonly inserted between a verb and its complement. There are many different kinds of grammatical complements in Chinese, but for now we’ll just focus on the syntactic structure:

Verb + 得 + Complement

他总是回来得很晚。(Tā zǒng shì huílái de hěn wǎn.) He always comes back late.

她写字写得不错。(Tā xiězì xiě de bùcuò.) She writes well.

你的话我听得很清楚。(Nǐ dehuà wǒ tīng de hěn qīngchǔ.) I heard your words very clearly.

现在的孩子懂得很多。(Xiànzài de háizi dǒngde hěnduō.) Today’s children know a lot.

Further reading: Describing Actions with 得(de) in Chinese

Chinese Modal Particles 语气助词

Modal particles are used to express tone of voice in Chinese. They are usually placed in the middle or at the end of a sentence. Sometimes, they can even be used by themselves. In many cases, a single modal particle will have several different potential implications, so context is key.

吗 (ma)

The modal particle 吗 indicates an interrogative tone and is used to create yes-no or rhetorical questions.

这是你的书吗？(Zhè shì nǐ de shū ma?) Is this your book?

我可以借一点儿钱吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ jiè yīdiǎnr qián ma?) Can I borrow a little money?

那家饭店便宜吗？(Nà jiā fàndiàn piányi ma?) Is that hotel cheap?

这不是我的家吗？你怎么在这儿？(Zhè bùshì wǒ de jiā ma? Nǐ zěnme zài zhèr?) Isn’t this my home? Why are you here?

他难道不是你的朋友吗？(Tā nándào bùshì nǐ de péngyǒu ma?) Isn’t he your friend?

你认真的吗？那首歌好听吗？(Nǐ rènzhēn de ma? Nà shǒu gē hǎotīng ma?) Are you serious? Is that song good?

呢 (ne)

Unlike 吗, 呢 cannot be used for yes-no questions. However, it is still commonly used in alternative, positive-negative, and specific question structures.

谁能帮我拿东西呢？(Shéi néng bāng wǒ ná dōngxī ne?) Who can help me carry something?

你在这喝酒，你妻子在哪儿呢？(Nǐ zài zhè hējiǔ, nǐ qīzi zài nǎr ne?) You are drinking here, where is your wife?

你想吃苹果还是葡萄呢？(Nǐ xiǎng chī píngguǒ háishì pútáo ne?) Would you like to eat apples or grapes?

他爱你。你爱不爱他呢？(Tā ài nǐ. Nǐ ài bù ài tā ne?) He loves you. Do you love him or not?

Additionally, 呢 can be used in declarative sentences with 在, 正在, and 正 to indicate an ongoing action or situation.

我正在洗澡呢，你等一下。(Wǒ zhèngzài xǐzǎo ne, nǐ děng yīxià.) I’m taking a shower, wait a minute.

他正睡觉呢，小声点。(Tā zhèng shuìjiào ne, xiǎoshēng diǎn.) He’s sleeping, so be quiet.

我们在开会呢。(Wǒmen zài kāihuì ne.) We are in a meeting.

吧 (ba)

Using 吧 at the end of a question can indicate that you’re guessing or making an assumption.

e.g.

我们好像见过面吧？(Wǒmen hǎoxiàng jiànguò miàn ba?) Seems like we’ve met before, right?

你的工作都完成了吧？(Nǐ de gōngzuò dōu wánchéngle ba?) Is your work done?

这次考试不难吧？(Zhè cì kǎoshì bù nán ba?) This exam isn’t difficult, is it?

飞机大概九点到上海吧？(Fēijī dàgài jiǔ diǎn dào Shànghǎi ba?) The flight arrives in Shanghai at about nine o’clock, right?

Additionally, 吧 is commonly used in imperative sentences to soften the tone when making a request or suggestion.

e.g.

我们结婚吧。(Wǒmen jiéhūn ba.) Let’s get married.

你们去玩吧，我不去了。(Nǐmen qù wán ba, wǒ bù qùle.) Go and play, I’m not going.

你快去道歉吧。(Nǐ kuài qù dàoqiàn ba.) Go and apologize.

啊 (a)

啊 is a common modal particle used to emphasize the tone of a sentence. In spoken Chinese, it can also be inserted after the subject to indicate a pause.

e.g.

你儿子啊，总是不写作业。(Nǐ érzi a, zǒng shì bù xiě zuòyè.) Your son, he never does his homework.

你家人也来啊？太好了！(Nǐ jiārén yě lái a? Tài hǎole!) Is your family coming too? Great!

谁在敲门啊？(Shéi zài qiāo mén a?) Who is knocking at the door?

这个地方真漂亮啊！(Zhègè dìfāng zhēn piàoliang a!) This place is so beautiful!

Further reading: Guide to Chinese Question Words and Sentence Structures

Conclusion

These particles are some of the foundational building blocks of Chinese grammar. Aspect and structural particles, such as 了, 过, 的, 地, and 得, play critical roles in expressing verb tense, forming special sentence structures, and emphasizing tone. 

Modal particles, including 吗, 呢, 吧, 啊, and 呀, help to convey various emotions and attitudes. With continued practice, mastering these particles can significantly improve your Chinese language skills and help you communicate more effectively in a wide range of situations.

We’ve wrapped up even more basic Chinese sentence structures for you to check out. 加油！

Related Reading: All-in-one guide for all Chinese beginners

Exercises

Complete the sentence by filling in the correct aspect particle: 着, 了, 过，的，地，得，吗，呢 or 吧.

1. 他正在看书，书上写________很多笔记。
   (Tā zhèngzài kàn shū, shū shàng xiě________ hěn duō bǐ jì.)
   He is reading a book, and there are many notes in the book.
2. 这本书我们已经看完了。
   (zhè běn shū wǒmen yǐjīng kànwán ________.)
   We have already completed this book.
3. 我们去 ________北京两次。
   (Wǒmen qù ________  Běijīng liǎngcì.)
   We have been to Beijing twice.
4. 我以前参观 ________这个地方。
   (Wǒ yǐqián cānguān ________zhège dìfāng.)
   I have visited this place before.
5. 他手里拿 ________一本书。
   (Tā shǒu lǐ ná ________yī běn shū.)
   He is holding a book in his hand.
6. 他总是很勤奋________学习。
   (Tā zǒng shì hěn qínfèn________xuéxí.)
   He always studies very hard.
7. 她洗澡洗________很慢。
   (Tā xǐzǎo xǐ________hěn màn.)
   She takes a slow bath.
8. 那本书是我买________。
   (Nà běn shū shì wǒ mǎi________.)
   I bought that book.
9. 我去学校，你去哪儿________？
   (Wǒ qù xuéxiào, nǐ qù nǎr________?)
   I’m going to school, where are you going?
10. 我们一起去看电影________！
    (Wǒmen yīqǐ qù kàn diànyǐng________!)
    Let’s go to the movies together!
11. 你喜欢喝咖啡________？
    (Nǐ xǐhuān hē kāfēi________?)
    Do you like coffee?
12. 我想你知道她是谁________？
    (Wǒ xiǎng nǐ zhīdào tā shì shéi________?)
    I think you know who she is, right?
13. 她跑________很快。
    (Tā pǎo________hěn kuài.)
    She runs very fast.
14. 你觉得今天的天气好________？
    (Nǐ juéde jīntiān de tiānqì hǎo________?)
    Do you think the weather is good today?
15. 你上个月到________上海吗？
    (Nǐ shàng gè yuè dào________Shànghǎi ma?)
    Have you been to Shanghai last month?
16. 他已经完成________作业了。
    (Tā yǐjīng wánchéng________zuòyèle.)
    He has finished his homework.

Answers:

1. 着
2. 了
3. 过
4. 过
5. 着
6. 地
7. 得
8. 的
9. 呢
10. 吧
11. 吗
12. 吧
13. 得
14. 吗
15. 过
16. 了

The post Commonly Used Chinese Grammar Particles – Aspect, Structural, and Modal Particles appeared first on .

To help you better deal with this new challenge, we have collected some helpful resources to assist with learning and practicing Chinese characters, including books, videos, courses, apps, and tools.

Books for learning Chinese characters

《汉字有意思》 Hanzi Alive！

• Target audience: Adults; Children ages 3-6
• Learning stage: Beginning
• Purchase here: 汉字有意思 Hanzi Alive！

Review:

The authors of this book are Liu Yong and his son and daughter. Liu Yong is a very famous writer, artist, and educator in China. His teaching methodology is known for being very successful. So, he gathered the essence of his enlightening Chinese character teaching methodology in this book.

Each of the selected Chinese characters in this book includes a vivid hand-painted picture, a black and white silhouette, the evolvement from ancient versions to the present simplified and traditional versions, as well as a real-life photo game. There are also illustrative texts both in Chinese and English so that learners from different language backgrounds can easily understand. With the hardback edition, there are also matching notebooks included for learners to imitate and practice. In general, it’s a very good and enlightening book for all beginners and kids. 

《神奇的汉字——汉字启蒙互动立体书》Magic Chinese Characters

• Target audience: 3-8 year-old Chinese kids; 3-15 year-old foreign learners with help from parents or tutors
• Learning stage: Beginning
• Purchase here: 神奇的汉字

Review:

This series of books is designed for kids who need to learn and inspire their interest in and passion for Chinese characters. There are around 650 characters that were selected because of their strong connection. The key feature of this series is that it makes good use of the inner connection between similarly constructed Chinese characters. As we all know, pictographs are the base of the construction of Chinese characters. Here in this series of books, the 3D movable design for each character can be very interesting. It not only presents the Chinese pictographs but also the process of combining them with radicals. The learning-by-playing method can easily draw kids’ attention. With the illustrations and corresponding activities, learners can acquire more characters and easily distinguish similar characters.   The shortcoming is that it only has written explanations in Chinese. So, it’s better to have a tutor with a background in Chinese so that the learners can understand it.

More books: Recommended Chinese Characters Books

Videos for learning Chinese characters

三十六个字 36 Chinese characters

• Target audience: Adults, Kids
• Learning stage: Beginning
• Watch here: 三十六个字

Review:

This is an ink animation made in 1984, a very typical Chinese-style cartoon. The pictures may seem a bit old, but the content is still very appealing and educational now. Within 11 minutes, it tells the story of how Chinese characters were created by illustrating 36 Chinese pictographs.

If you look closely at these characters, you may find that most of them are the characters that beginners need to learn in their very first few Chinese character lessons. It’s quite a good introductory video for all Chinese beginners.

The 36 Chinese characters are 日，山，水，鸟，象，森，林，草，夫，马，竹，田，刀，舟，鱼，网，燕，云，雨，伞，石，火，龟，虎，鹿，豕，叟，弓，舍，羊，花，门，犬，子，女，月。

字从遇见你 (zì cóng yùjiàn nǐ)

• Target audience: Adults, Kids
• Learning stage: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
• Watch here: 字从遇见你

Review:

This is an official educational documentary that introduces 25 Chinese characters, including each one’s origin and evolution, as well as corresponding Chinese culture. Each episode is around 5 minutes. Learners can not only learn more about the character but also its culture and uses. Since the content is so rich and dense, you might need to watch it over and over again to digest it. The whole evolution process covers from thousands of years ago to modern China. So only if you have more previous background knowledge, can you fully understand it. Still, it’s quite high-quality introductory content for Chinese characters.

The characters include: 舟，车，行，中，鼎，卜，天，福，犬，虎，马，牛，象，文，郭，陶，教，丝，甑，贝，走，图，典，册，笔

神奇的汉字故事

• Target audience: 3-12 year-old kids who are able to listen to Mandarin
• Learning stage: Beginning
• Watch here: 神奇的汉字故事

Review:

There are 20 episodes in total. Each episode introduces where a character came from, what it means, and its evolution process. Then there is a short story about the character so that it can be made more interesting, while still educational. However, the problem is that there are no English subtitles; it’s all in Chinese. So, it’s better if the kids are able to understand spoken Mandarin.  

一起画汉字

• Target audience: 3-12 year-old kids who need to learn writing
• Learning stage: Beginning
• Watch here: 一起画汉字

Review:

Writing Chinese characters is always a tough task for all learners. Especially kids, who are more impatient to practice. Based on kids’ aptitudes and the features of Chinese characters, 一起画汉字 eases the difficulty. It creates a lovely, simple painting based on each character’s shape. In this case, learners can memorize characters more easily by painting. But note that it’s not the real origin of each character. It’s just a method to help memorize and write them.

Courses for learning Chinese characters

Comprehensive Guide to Chinese Characters

• Target audience: People who are new to learning Chinese；People who want to learn the basics of Chinese Characters
• Learning stage: Beginning
• Learn here: Character Course A

Review:

Apart from the tons of introductory content we’ve presented so far, here are courses for learners who are ready to learn Chinese characters properly and in an organized way.

Course A is a comprehensive guide to Chinese characters, which helps you understand the rules and theories. From basic strokes to character construction, you can find everything you need to know before you dive into the sea of Chinese characters. It not only illustrates the basic information about and logic behind characters, but also the fundamental rules and methods. Good preparation brings you halfway to mastery. Then, this is the course for those who have just gotten started with learning Chinese characters.  

Building up from zero to hundreds of Chinese Characters

• Target audience: Elementary-level learners who are interested in learning more Chinese characters.
• Learning stage: Beginning
• Learn here: Character Course B

Review:

Course B is a build-up from zero characters to hundreds. You can learn about 250 Chinese characters in this course. They are categorized by topic, ranging from weather to plants. Each video lesson consists of a breakdown of the characters, their origin, commonly used grammar patterns, and then a stroke-by-stroke writing tutorial of the character.

In addition to the tutorial content, there are also supplementary quizzes and exercises to do. After watching each lesson, you can practice with their writing sheets to strengthen your knowledge.

Apps for learning Chinese characters

Chineasy

• Target audience: Adults, Kids
• Learning stage: Beginning
• Download here: iOS
• Price: Partly free

Review:

Dig Mandarin has introduced Chineasy and its founder Shao Lan years ago. Now not only is there the book, but they also used their advantage to create a Chinese character learning app. With its vivid illustrations, it divides thousands of Chinese characters into hundreds of short lessons. You can choose either the simplified or traditional version. After learning the basic characters, there is a follow-up lesson to make these characters into daily words. The quizzes contain tests for pinyin, listening, character shape, and meaning. If you would like to get more functions, you can pay to learn characters by HSK level and practice writing them. For elementary learners, this is a method you should definitely try.

Skritter: Write Chinese

• Target audience: Adults, Kids 6 years old and above
• Learning stage: Beginning
• Download here: Skritter
• Price: Partly free; 1 month $14.99, 6 months $59.99, 1 year $99.99

Review:

Unlike many apps’ fancy interfaces, Skritter is designed to be very direct and simple. For learners who are strongly self-driven, it can be quite efficient. There are vocabulary lists for hundreds of Chinese books, and you can choose any one of them as your target book. For those who already have a particular textbook, this app can be very useful as your character review helper. Its quiz part also contains various elements. Apart from the definition, pronunciation, tone, and example sentences, it also strengthens stroke order. You can learn to write and memorize characters with it.

Zizzle

• Target audience: Adults, Kids
• Learning stage: Beginning, Intermediate
• Download here: Zizzle  
• Price: Partly free; Use the promo code “DIGMANDARIN10” to save 10% on all three-month and annual subscriptions, as well as packs.

Review:

Zizzle has already collected over 850 key Chinese characters from the HSK basic and intermediate levels. Zizzle has created a very different character memorizing method from other apps. Each character has a particularly ridiculous short story to help you learn the pronunciation as well as the meaning. It also uses pictograph characters to make pictures that will help you better memorize the shape of the character. They basically put everything together in a short story. No matter whether you are an adult or a child, you will have fun in the learning process.   

悟空识字

• Target audience: 4-8 year-old kids who are able to listen to Mandarin
• Learning stage: Beginning
• Download here: iOS, Android
• Price: 198 yuan

Review:

Sun Wukong is a very well-known monkey character in Chinese culture. All Chinese kids know him. This app is designed based on Wukong’s little stories. Each lesson is a story-based game that helps teach several characters. There is also a distinguishing part for learning characters, which is quite helpful for memorizing them. This app contains 1200 Chinese characters in all lessons. A lesson per day for 10 minutes sounds reasonable for kids. Plus, cute stories can be very interesting for kids.

Tools for learning Chinese characters

Meaningfully learning Chinese characters

• Target audience: Adults, Kids
• Learning stage: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
• Use it here: Meaningfully learning Chinese characters

Review:

This is a kind of Chinese character dictionary. Besides Pinyin, there are also etymological explanations in Chinese, English, and French. It also shows you the ancient versions of each character. The fun part is that it generates a graph with branches of related characters. You might find several other related characters to learn and distinguish between.

汉典网 (hàn diǎn wǎng)

• Target audience: Adults and kids who are beyond the basic level
• Learning stage: Intermediate, Advanced
• Use it here: 汉典网

Review:

This online dictionary is not only for Chinese learners but also for native Chinese speakers. It lists all pronunciations, simple explanations, detailed explanations, and character origins. The stroke order of each character is also represented. Sometimes it might be too comprehensive to quickly locate the item you need to know. And it’s mainly explained in Chinese with very simple English definitions. So using this website is already a sign that your level is intermediate or advanced.

Writing sheet generating tool

• Target audience: Adults, Kids
• Learning stage: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
• Use it here: 字帖生成器

Review:

If you’ve ever learned to write Chinese characters, you are definitely familiar with character writing sheets. It’s either with a 田 square (田字格) or a 米square（米字格）so that you can write each character in the right place properly. With this tool, you can generate your own practice sheets. Input the target character, and it can even show you its stroke order so that you can better practice and imitate.

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